Stay Awake
Last night I was watching Grey’s Anatomy with my wife. I guess it’s been a long time since I’d seen a “drama” show, cause it was laid on thicker than double cream cheese on a bagel. Bad comparison, but you get the jest.
One of the many goings on, was the side story of a presumably bisexual woman who had had a previous sexual ordeal with another woman, presumably her current girlfriend. As the two women later discussed that ordeal, the bisexual star of the show admitted that it wasn’t “good for her.” Which then resulted in her lover quickly leaving the room sorrowful. Oh the drama…
Later in the show, she went to a(presumably former lover) male friend of hers for instruction on how to please a woman. After some physical off-camera instructions, our star later returned to her jilted lover with confidence. Off-screen, we are led to believe that their relationship was mended because she loved this woman enough to go seek physical instruction on her own body from another guy, to know how to accomplish pleasure for this woman she’s now with.
And we’re entertained.
But I think this does deceptively more than just entertain…
I think it subtly gives the impression that this behavior is okay. That maybe because this is how the rest of the world works, it’s just common practice, and therefore, okay.
But for me, this opens doors. Doors that have been shut for awhile, and I would like to remain that way.
It’s no secret that every guy struggles with sexual issues. Lust, adultery, sex within families, homosexuality, and all-around general sexual immorality are prominent in the scriptures. And not just with men, but both sexes. This gives me confidence that it’s not just me, and that this has been going on for a long time.
While a simple hour-long tv show might feel harmless, it could creep up on you.
And I’m aware of how this comes off. That’s why I’ve got scripture to back me up:
34 “But watch yourselves f lest g your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and h cares of this life, and i that day come upon you suddenly j like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But k stay awake at all times, l praying that you may m have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and n to stand before the Son of Man.”
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
I’m not here to tell you that watching Grey’s Anatomy is a sin, and that you shouldn’t do it. What I am saying though, is that spiritual warfare is VERY REAL, with very real dangers that we should all watch out for. What else could be meant by “be watchful” in 1 Peter? I think it applies to more than just tv shows, but also to tv shows.
Who, when going to be attacked by someone “seeking someone [us] to devour”, will not post watchmen at his doors, archers on his walls, and hold fast to his stronghold? For us as Christians, that stronghold is the gospel, and how it commands we live our lives.
For me, entertaining thoughts and images like what I’ve described in Grey’s Anatomy, is like lowering my drawbridge. It renders the rest of my defenses useless.
Do you experience anything like this? How defended are your walls? How desperately do you cling to His Kingdom for safety and security? Is it possible that the gate is already open, and the enemy passes freely without you noticing? Is it worth your time and salvation to seriously consider these questions?
I’m not telling you to not watch certain shows… only to consider any and all consequences and reactions they might have on you.
Eternity is real, and for a very long time. Is it not worth a little bit of time and meditation spent on truly looking inside yourself and seeing what (if anything) this might do to harbor your relationship with your King?
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